How is the Vestibular System tested?

The vestibular and visual systems are connected to each other and to the muscles in the eyes and neck that help maintain good balance. Head movements or other stimulation of the inner ear sends signals through the nervous system to control eye muscle movements. This system is designed to generate eye movements that maintain clear vision when the head is in motion. Many vestibular tests use equipment to monitor the eyes for normal and abnormal movements when the vestibular system is stimulated. Although testing the vestibular system in children can be difficult, some tests can be used on children providing they are conducted by specialists who have been trained to modify the equipment and techniques accordingly.